MetService is warning of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms in the middle of the country today.
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The heaviest rain is expected along the Kaikōura coast and ranges through the morning.
Some areas may get 120 millimetres in 12 hours, which could cause flooding and slips.
The rain is expected to move up the country through Marlborough, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay. MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for eastern parts of Marlborough, while northern parts of Hawke's Bay can expect 100-millimetres in the next 24 hours.
Forecaster Andy Downs says coastal areas between Kaikōura and Wairarapa will also experience strong southerlies.
"We're not expecting them to be damaging gales but certainly gusts getting up to 90 kilometres an hour and in some exposed coastal areas to 100 kilometres an hour so it's going to make for a fairly cold, miserable day really."
Mr Downs says conditions will ease off tomorrow and clear on Tuesday.